Product Name: Methyl Benzoate
Chemical Formula: C8H8O2
Synonyms: Benzoic acid methyl ester, Methyl ester of benzoic acid
CAS Number: 93-58-3
EC Number: 202-259-7
Recommended Uses: Solvent, fragrance, flavoring agent, laboratory reagent
Manufacturer/Importer Details: Refer to packaging or regulatory documentation for company specifics.
Emergency Numbers: National or regional poison control centers, fire department contacts.
GHS Classification: Not classed as hazardous by GHS criteria; may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
Signal Word: Not required under GHS, but care recommended.
Hazard Statements: Causes mild skin and eye irritation, can cause respiratory tract irritation upon inhalation, may cause discomfort if ingested.
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands after handling, use personal protection to limit direct exposure, avoid breathing dust or vapor.
Potential Health Effects: Prolonged contact can dry out skin; vapors may lead to mild headaches or dizziness in closed spaces.
Chemical Name: Methyl Benzoate
Concentration: 99-100%
Impurities/Additives: Trace organic compounds related to benzoic acid derivatization; typical laboratory grade presents impurity amounts below 1%
Molecular Weight: 136.15 g/mol
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under running water for several minutes, occasionally lifting eyelids for thorough flushing; remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical help if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and large amounts of water; remove contaminated clothing and shoes. See medical attention for continuing irritation.
Inhalation: Remove person from immediate exposure to fresh air; keep comfortable and monitor for breathing difficulty; seek medical assessment if symptoms develop.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, drink water to dilute (do not induce vomiting); consult physician for further guidance and observation of possible symptoms.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide; water spray can suppress vapors but is less effective on large fires.
Specific Hazards: Combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly unidentified organic compounds.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Vapors can travel to ignition sources and cause flashbacks. Containers may explode if heated. Spill areas can be slippery.
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and suitable body coverings. Ventilate the area, avoid breathing vapors, remove ignition sources.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, groundwater, and water courses. Contain spill using absorbent material, sand, or earth.
Clean-Up Methods: Clean up immediately by absorbing with inert materials, then shovel into suitable chemical waste containers for proper disposal. Wash contaminated area with large quantities of water.
Handling: Use in well-ventilated locations, employ chemical splash goggles, gloves, and protective clothing. Avoid inhaling vapor and prolonged or repeated skin contact.
Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Segregate from oxidizing agents and acids. Store in labeled, appropriate containers made of compatible materials.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids and bases.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits established for methyl benzoate; general workplace safety standards apply.
Engineering Controls: Use laboratory fume hood or localized exhaust ventilation.
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemistry splash goggles, chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile, lab coat, closed footwear, use of respirator if airborne concentration exceeds safety limits.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area.
Appearance: Colorless, transparent liquid
Odor: Pleasant, sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of wintergreen
pH: Slightly acidic
Boiling Point: Approximately 199°C (390°F)
Melting Point: -12°C (10°F)
Flash Point: 96°C (204°F), closed cup
Vapor Pressure: 0.22 mm Hg at 25°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohols, ethers, organic solvents
Density: About 1.094 g/cm³ at 20°C
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 1.96
Autoignition Temperature: 498°C (928°F)
Evaporation Rate: Slower than butyl acetate
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures in closed systems.
Reactivity: Unreactive with most chemicals in typical laboratory and industrial settings.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, other unidentified organic substances upon burning.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, bases.
Polymerization: Not known to occur.
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 3,500 mg/kg; LD50 (dermal, rabbit): Not established, expected to be low
Irritation: Mild irritant to eyes and skin; can cause respiratory tract discomfort if inhaled
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic reactions
Long-term Effects: No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive effects reported in standard studies, considered low hazard.
Symptoms of Overexposure: Headache, slight dizziness, nausea upon significant inhalation or ingestion.
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates, caution for large spills
Persistence and Degradability: Undergoes biodegradation in soil and water, degrades to harmless substances over time
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate based on log Pow values
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, especially in sandy and well-drained soils
Other Effects: Not considered a long-term environmental hazard in small quantities.
Waste Treatment: Dispose through licensed waste disposal contractors.
Incineration: Permitted at approved facilities with proper controls.
Containers: Dispose of as hazardous chemical waste; thoroughly clean before recycling or reuse.
Precautions: Never discharge into surface waters, sewers, or soil.
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels: Not required for methyl benzoate under international transport rules
Special Precautions: Keep containers upright, avoid strong mechanical shocks, use secure packaging; protect against extreme heat.
Global Inventories: Listed on TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan), among others.
Regulations: Not regulated as a hazardous chemical under OSHA, EU REACH, or UN transport codes in routine use.
Environmental Controls: General duty to minimize release to environment, secure proper labeling and documentation for workplace safety.
Other Restrictions: Local and national regulations apply for chemical procurement, handling, and disposal practices.